Book excerpt: The objective of this dissertation is to examine the orchestration methods of Johannes Brahms, apply these methods to an orchestral transcription of his Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3 in D Minor, op. 108, and provide a conductor's analysis of the transcription. Chapter 1 gives a brief historical background, and discusses reasons for and methods of the project. Chapter 2 examines general aspects of Brahms's orchestrational style. Chapter 3 addresses the transcription process and its application to the Third Violin Sonata. Chapter 4 explores areas in which a thorough understanding of a work's compositional and orchestrational structure informs performance practice. Chapter 5 discusses differences in chamber and orchestral music observed during the project. The full score of the transcription is included at the end.